The golden sun shines through the leaves of the trees. The soil feels moist and firm underneath my gloves. The crisp fragrance of fall fills my nostrils. Tending to and spending time with plants is my way to calm down and recharge. Whether attending to luscious greens or taking care of a small flower pot beside you, everyone can reap the benefits gardening brings to your health, happiness, and environment.
Gardening is an easy form of physical activity. With greater exposure to sunlight, your body produces more vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health and immunity. Simple acts like weeding or planting for 30 minutes can burn as many or more calories than a 30-minute walk, and you don’t even need to leave your backyard. In addition, those who grow vegetables are more likely to eat healthier because ideal food options are readily available, fresh, and delicious.
Not only does gardening benefit your physical health, but it also brings mental and emotional wellness. Forbes described a study that showed that gardening can lower levels of cortisol, a hormone related to stress.
Gardening can also provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, as well as a connection with nature and other living things. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) performed a test on individuals who suffered from clinical depression, where 28 people were put through a 12-week therapeutic horticulture program. Assessments found that around half of the participants’ depression declined, and their attention and social activity increased. This observation was reaffirmed in the 3-month check-up. People generally feel happier and more optimistic in surroundings with plants and nature. A survey conducted at four San Francisco Bay Area hospitals found that, after spending time in a garden, 79% of patients said they felt more relaxed and calm, 19% felt more positive, and 25% felt refreshed and stronger.
You might say that you don’t have the time, space, or resources to garden. To that, I say to start small and basic with a few potted succulents or regrown vegetables from kitchen scraps, like green onions, celery, and leeks. Herbs are also great ways to get started, as they are very forgiving.
Gardening has made me more considerate and mindful of my actions, and it is an activity I can do no matter how I’m feeling. It’s a meditative experience where I have learned patience through waiting for my plants to sprout, resilience when I lose a crop and try again, and an openness to experimenting with a variety of plants as the seasons roll on.
When you step into your garden, you immerse yourself in an oasis. You can unwind your stress, tune out the noises, and feel the stillness. Just as Gertrude Jekyll, a British horticulturist who created hundreds of gardens, once said, “The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies, but grows to the enduring happiness that the love of gardening gives.” So, get out of your seat, grab a shovel, plant some seeds, and stumble outside into happiness!
